Grazing restrictor

ABSTRACT

A grazing restrictor for attaching to a halter. The restrictor includes a body portion surrounding a central opening. A plurality of elongate segments extend outward from the body portion. The elongate segments have a plurality of openings defined therein. The elongate segments are configured and arranged to be folded upward relative to the body portion to form the shape of a muzzle. The grazing restrictor is formed from an elastic material capable of laying flat in a first configuration and being folded into the shape of a muzzle in a second configuration.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a divisional of U.S. Pat. Application No.16/442,674, filed Jun. 17, 2019, and entitled “Grazing Restrictor,”which claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No.62/688,910 filed Jun. 22, 2018, and entitled “Equine GrazingRestrictor,” which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of products for useon animals, and more particularly to a device for restricting the intakeof forage for a grazing animal.

BACKGROUND ART

Muzzles for grazing horses are known. The existing designs arerelatively heavy, expensive to manufacture, and many cause irritation tothe skin of the horse which requires extra padding or wrapping thesurface of the muzzle to hinder rubbing. Some of the designs are rigidand need to be heated and formed to the shape of the horse. What isneeded is an improved design that addresses the many drawbacks withexisting muzzles.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention meets the above described need by providing agrazing restrictor (10) for attaching to a halter (34). The restrictor(10) includes a body portion (13) surrounding a central opening (16). Aplurality of elongate segments (19 a-19 h) extend outward from the bodyportion (13). The elongate segments (19 a-h) have a plurality ofopenings (25) defined therein. The elongate segments (19 a-h) arecapable of being folded upward relative to the body portion (13) to formthe shape of a muzzle.

A plurality of ties (37) have a first end capable of being insertedthrough one or more of the openings (25) in the elongate segments (19a-19 h) and a second end capable of extending around the halter (34) andbeing connected to the first end in end to end fashion such that therestrictor (10) is capable of being supported by the halter (34).

In one aspect, the body portion (13) and elongate segments (19 a-19 h)are formed as a unitary member.

In one aspect, the body portion (13) and elongate segments (19 a-19 h)are formed from an elastic material.

In yet another aspect, the body portion (13) and elongate segments (19a-19 h) are constructed of polyether urethane.

In an additional aspect, the restrictor (10) may further comprise aplurality of ventilation openings (22) formed in one of the body portion(13) and the plurality of elongate segments (19 a-19 h).

In another aspect, the plurality of elongate segments (19 a-19 h) mayfurther comprise finger-like projections having rounded edges.

In another aspect, the plurality of ties (37) comprise low profile cableties.

In yet another aspect, the restrictor (10) further comprises one or moreventilation openings (22) in the body portion (13).

In another aspect, the restrictor (10) further comprises one or moreventilation openings (22) in the plurality of elongate segments (19 a-19h).

In another aspect, the central opening (16) is sized to provide athroughput restriction on the amount of forage ingested while grazing.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a grazing restrictor (10) isconfigured for attaching to a halter (34). The restrictor (10) comprisesa body portion (13) surrounding a central opening (16). The centralopening (16) is sized to provide a throughput restriction on the amountof forage ingested while grazing. A plurality of elongate segments (19a-19 h) extend outward from the body portion (13). The plurality ofelongate segments (19 a-19 h) have a plurality of openings (25) definedtherein. The plurality of elongate segments (19 a-19 h) are capable ofbeing folded upward relative to the body portion (13) to form the shapeof a muzzle. A plurality of ties (37) have a first end capable of beinginserted through one or more of the openings (25) in the elongatesegments (19 a-19 h) and a second end capable of extending around thehalter (34) and being connected to the first end such that therestrictor (10) is capable of being supported by the halter (34) on thehorse (31).

The body portion (13) and the plurality of elongate segments (19 a-19 h)are formed from a unitary, elastic member capable of laying flat in afirst configuration and then being folded into the shape of a muzzle ina second configuration. In another aspect of the invention, a grazingrestrictor (10) is configured for attaching to a halter (34). Therestrictor (10) comprises a body portion (13) having a central opening(16) sized to provide a throughput restriction on the amount of forageingested while grazing. A plurality of elongate segments (19 a-h) extendoutward from the body portion (13). The aspect includes means forattaching the restrictor (10) to the halter (34). And the plurality ofelongate segments (19 a-19 h) are configured and arranged such that,when the restrictor (10) is attached to the halter (34), the elongatesegments (19 a-h) are biased outwardly from the halter (34).

In another aspect of the invention, a combination includes a halter (34)and a grazing restrictor (10) configured and arranged to be mountedthereon. The restrictor (10) comprises a body portion (13) surrounding acentral opening (16). The central opening (16) is sized to provide athroughput restriction on the amount of forage ingested while grazing. Aplurality of elongate segments (19 a-19 h) extend outward from the bodyportion (13). The plurality of elongate segments (19 a-19 h) have aplurality of openings (25) defined therein. The plurality of elongatesegments (19 a-19 h) are capable of being folded upward relative to thebody portion (13) to form the shape of a muzzle. The body portion (13)and the plurality of elongate segments (19 a-19 h) are formed from aunitary, elastic member capable of laying flat in a first configurationand then being folded into the shape of a muzzle in a secondconfiguration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of the grazing restrictor of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 attachedto a halter on a horse.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 attachedto a halter on a horse.

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 attachedto a halter on a horse at a different position on the plurality ofelongate segments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like referencenumerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portionsor surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as suchelements, portions or surfaces may be further described or explained bythe entire written specification, of which this detailed description isan integral part. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intendedto be read (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion,debris, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considereda portion of the entire written description of this invention. As usedin the following description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”,“left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbialderivatives thereof, (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”,etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure asthe particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms“inwardly” and “outwardly” generally refer to the orientation of asurface relative to its axis of elongation, or of rotation, asappropriate.

Referring to FIG. 1 , merely for the purposes of illustration and not byway of limitation, the present embodiment provides a grazing restrictor10. The grazing restrictor 10 may be constructed as a unitary, flatmember having a body portion 13 located toward the center of therestrictor 10. A central opening 16 may be disposed at the approximatecenter of the device. A plurality of elongate segments 19 a-19 h mayextend in multiple directions from the body portion 13. Segment 19 aextends upward from the body portion 13 of the restrictor 10. Segments19 b-19 d extend to the right of the body portion 13. Segment 19 eextends downward from the body portion 13 and may be disposed in theopposite direction from Segment 19 a. Segments 19 f-19 h extend to theleft of the body portion 13 and may be disposed opposite from Segments19 b-19 d. Ventilation openings 22 may be formed in segments 19 a and 19e. Additional ventilation openings may be provided in the body portion13 or in the segments 19 a-19 h.

A plurality of openings 25 may be disposed in the segments 19 a-19 h.The openings 25 on each segment 19 a-19 h may be arranged in linearfashion from a first opening 25 disposed closer to the center of thedevice to a last opening 25 disposed near a distal end 28 of therespective segment.

The restrictor 10 may be formed from an elastomer such as athermoplastic urethane or similar plastic polymer or other thin,lightweight material having elastic properties. The material ispreferably mildew and UV resistant. For example, the restrictor 10 maybe formed from a polyether urethane film or sheet. The film/sheet may beapproximately 2-5 mm thick. Other thicknesses of film or sheet may alsobe suitable. The restrictor 10 may be die cut to form a unitary member.The restrictor may be approximately twenty (20) to twenty-eight (28)inches in diameter. The restrictor 10 may be formed from a thin,lightweight and elastic material that is capable of laying flat as shownin FIG. 1 . The restrictor 10 may be formed from an elastic materialsuch that when it is removed from the state shown in FIGS. 2-4 , itreturns to its original flat shape shown in FIG. 1 . The restrictor 10may be formed from a clear material and may be provided with a pluralityof openings to increase ventilation.

Turning to FIGS. 2-4 , the elongate segments 19 a-19 h can be foldedupward (i.e., normal to the page with respect to the orientation shownin FIG. 1 ) from the end of the body portion 13 to from a muzzle formounting around the mouth of a horse 31. Although the restrictor 10 isshown in connection with a horse 31, the restrictor 10 may be configuredand arranged for use with other animals. The muzzle is formed byattaching the elongate segments 19 a-19 h to a halter 34 by means of lowprofile cable ties 37 that may be inserted through the openings 25. Thecable ties 37 are one example of elongate members having a first end anda second end configured to extend through the openings 25 in theelongate segments 19 a-h and around the halters 34 and to connect in endto end fashion to attach the restrictor 10 to the halter 34. Otherelongate members constructed from materials such as cloth or fabric orother flexible materials having connecting means at opposite ends mayalso be suitable. The fasteners at the ends of the elongate members mayinclude buttons, quick connect couplings, or the like or could beattached by hook and loop fasteners. Alternatively, the opposite ends ofthe elongate member could be tied together. The restrictor 10 isadjustable by means of the plurality of openings 25. As best shown inFIG. 4 , the arrangement of the openings 25 in a line provides for asingle size for the restrictor 10 configured for use with various sizesof animals and halters.

The present invention also provides a combination that includes a halter34 and a grazing restrictor 10 configured and arranged to be mountedthereon. The restrictor 10 comprises a body portion 13 surrounding acentral opening 16. The central opening 16 is sized to provide athroughput restriction on the amount of forage ingested while grazing. Aplurality of elongate segments 19 a-19 h extend outward from the bodyportion 13. The plurality of elongate segments 19 a-19 h have aplurality of openings 25 defined therein. The plurality of elongatesegments 19 a-19 h are capable of being folded upward relative to thebody portion 13 to form the shape of a muzzle. The body portion 13 andthe plurality of elongate segments 19 a-19 h are formed from a unitary,elastic member capable of laying flat in a first configuration and thenbeing folded into the shape of a muzzle in a second configuration.

The present invention provides many advantages including reduced weightand increased ventilation. The open design of the restrictor 10 allowsfor more airflow which inhibits bacterial growth. Also, the spring-likeproperties of the restrictor 10 provide that when the restrictor 10 isattached to the halter 34 the elongate segments 19 a-h are configuredand arranged such that they are biased away from the halter 34. As aresult, the spring-like properties of the elastic materials used forconstruction keep the restrictor 10 from laying on the nose of the horse31 thereby preventing and or reducing rubbing and irritation. Thespring-like properties of the restrictor 10 also provide for minimalskin contact on any portion of the horse 31.

The present invention contemplates that many changes and modificationsmay be made. Therefore, while the presently-preferred form of thegrazing restrictor has been shown and described, and severalmodifications and alternatives discussed, persons skilled in this artwill readily appreciate that various additional changes andmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit of theinvention.

1. (canceled)
 2. (canceled)
 3. (canceled)
 4. (canceled)
 5. (canceled) 6.(canceled)
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled) 11.(canceled)
 12. A grazing restrictor for attaching to a halter adapted tobe worn by a grazing animal, the restrictor comprising: a body portionhaving a central opening; a plurality of elongate segments extendingoutward from the body portion, the plurality of elongate segments eachhaving a plurality of openings defined therein with each opening in therespective plurality of openings arranged at a different distance fromthe central opening than the other openings in the respective pluralityof openings, the plurality of elongate segments configured and arrangedto bendrelative to the body portion to form the shape of a muzzle; aplurality of ties configured to be inserted through one or more of theplurality of openings and around the halter; and, wherein the pluralityof elongate segments are configured to position the body portionrelative to the halter, the pluralities of openings defined in theplurality of elongate segments are configured to allow selectiveadjustment of the body portion relative to the halter with extension ofthe ties through openings of the pluralities of openings closer to thebody portion than other openings of the pluralities of openings toposition the body portion closer to the halter or through openings ofthe pluralities of openings farther from the body portion than otheropenings of the pluralities of openings to position the body portionfarther from the halter, wherein the body portion and the plurality ofelongate segments are formed as a unitary, elastic member configured andarranged to lay flat in a common plane in a first configuration and tobe formed into the shape of a muzzle by bending the plurality ofelongate segments upward relative to the body portion in a secondconfiguration, and wherein the plurality of elongate segments are biasedrelative to the body portion toward the first configuration to return tothe first configuration when disconnected from the halter.
 13. Thegrazing restrictor of claim 12, wherein each tie in the plurality ofties has a first end and a second end configured to be attached in endto end fashion.
 14. The grazing restrictor of claim 12, wherein the bodyportion and the plurality of elongate segments comprise polyetherurethane.
 15. The grazing restrictor of claim 12, further comprising aplurality of ventilation openings formed in at least one of the bodyportion and the plurality of elongate segments.
 16. The grazingrestrictor of claim 12, wherein the plurality of elongate segmentsdefine finger-like projections.
 17. The grazing restrictor of claim 12,wherein the plurality of ties comprise low profile cable ties.
 18. Thegrazing restrictor of claim 12, further comprising one or moreventilation openings in the plurality of elongate segments.
 19. Thegrazing restrictor of claim 12, wherein the restrictor is formed from atransparent material.
 20. A grazing restrictor for attaching to a halteradapted to be worn by a grazing animal, the restrictor comprising: abody portion having a central opening; a plurality of elongate segmentsextending outward from the body portion, the plurality of elongatesegments each having a plurality of openings defined therein with eachopening in the respective plurality of openings arranged at a differentdistance from the central opening than the other openings in therespective plurality of openings, the plurality of elongate segmentsconfigured and arranged to bend relative to the body portion to form theshape of a muzzle; a plurality of ties configured to be inserted throughone or more of the plurality of openings and around the halter; and,wherein the plurality of elongate segments are configured to positionthe body portion relative to the halter, the pluralities of openingsdefined in the plurality of elongate segments are configured to allowselective adjustment of the body portion relative to the halter withextension of the ties through openings of the pluralities of openingscloser to the body portion than other openings of the pluralities ofopenings to position the body portion closer to the halter or throughopenings of the pluralities of openings farther from the body portionthan other openings of the pluralities of openings to position the bodyportion farther from the halter, wherein the body portion and theplurality of elongate segments are formed as a unitary, elastic memberconfigured and arranged to lay flat in a common plane in a firstconfiguration and to be formed into the shape of a muzzle by bending theplurality of elongate segments upward relative to the body portion in asecond configuration, and wherein the plurality of elongate segments areconfigured and arranged such that, when the restrictor is in the secondconfiguration and attached to the halter, the elongate segments arebiased outwardly from the halter.
 21. (canceled)
 22. (canceled) 23.(canceled)
 24. (canceled)
 25. (canceled)
 26. The grazing restrictor ofclaim 12, wherein spaces are defined between the elongate segments inthe second configuration.
 27. The grazing restrictor of claim 12,wherein the plurality of elongate segments are configured and arrangedsuch that, when the restrictor is in the second configuration andattached to the halter, the elongate segments are biased outwardly fromthe halter.
 28. The grazing restrictor of claim 12, wherein theplurality of ties comprises a plurality of elongate flexible members,wherein each of the elongate flexible members has connecting means atopposite ends thereof, and wherein the connecting means are selectedfrom the group consisting of buttons, hook and loop fasteners, and quickconnect couplings.
 29. The grazing restrictor of claim 12, wherein eachplurality of openings defined in the plurality of elongate segmentsincludes at least four openings arranged along a line.
 30. The grazingrestrictor of claim 12, wherein the central opening is sized to providea throughput restriction on an amount of forage ingested by the grazinganimal while grazing.
 31. The grazing restrictor of claim 20, whereinspaces are defined between the elongate segments in the secondconfiguration.
 32. The grazing restrictor of claim 20, wherein theplurality of ties comprises a plurality of elongate flexible members,wherein each of the elongate flexible members has connecting means atopposite ends thereof, and wherein the connecting means are selectedfrom the group consisting of buttons, hook and loop fasteners, and quickconnect couplings.
 33. The grazing restrictor of claim 20, wherein eachplurality of openings defined in the plurality of elongate segmentsincludes at least four openings arranged along a line.
 34. The grazingrestrictor of claim 20, wherein the central opening is sized to providea throughput restriction on an amount of forage ingested by the grazinganimal while grazing.